Pouring vessel for accurate weight casting

ABSTRACT

A casting apparatus including a vessel for receiving and pouring a casting material in which the vessel is supported by a cradle structure for pivotal movement to effect the pouring. The apparatus further includes a force analyzer which supports the vessel through a frame and effects the accurate weight casting of the metal plates.

United States Patent Kreuz et al.

POURING VESSEL FOR ACCURATE WEIGHT CASTING Inventors: Otto Kreuz,Duisburg; Stephan Raab. Essen. both of Germany Assignee: DemagAktiengesellschaft. Duisburg.

Germany Filed: June 18, 1973 Appl. No.: 370,721

Related US. Application Data Division of Ser. No. 247.209. April 24.1972. Pat. No. 3.8331148. which is a division of Ser. No. (12.051. Aug.7. 1970.Llb21fld0fl(.1.

Foreign Application Priority Data Mar. 12. 1970 Germany 2(11 1698 U.S.Cl. 222/77; 164/155; 164/335;

222/166 Int. Cl 822d 37/00 Field of Search 222/77. 166. 133'. 164/136.

Apr. 8, 1975 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 111M180 5/1913Ford Zoo/1 R 2.882.567 4/1959 Dcaltins et a1. 164/337 3.087.212 4/1963Burch ZZZ/16h U X Primary Exunu'nerRohert B, Reeves AssistantExaminer-David A. Scherhel Attorney. Agent. or FirmMcGlew and Tattle[57] ABSTRACT A casting apparatus including a vessel for receiving andpouring a casting material in which the vessel is supported by a cradlestructure for pivotal movement to effect the pouring. The apparatusfurther includes a force analyzer which supports the vessel through aframe and effects the accurate weight casting of the metal plates.

5 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures POURING VESSEL FOR ACCURATE WEIGHT CASTINGThis is a division of application Ser. No. 247,209 filed Apr. 24, 1972now U.S, Pat. No. 3,833,048; which is a division of S.N. 62,05 1 filedAug. 7, I970, now abandoned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to a methodand apparatus for casting metal plates, and in particular, to a new anduseful method and apparatus for the accurate weight casting of metalplates, in particular of copper anode plates.

One of the difficulties in casting, particularly copper anode plates, isthe control of the precise amount of liquid metal for casting which istapped from a smelting furnace, collected, weighed, and then poured intorespective casting molds as a dosed partial quantity which is added incontrolled timing steps in accordance with the differential weighing ofthe melt materialv The dosing of the liquid metal is bound to theprocess of interrupting and releasing the casting flow of the melt. Thediscontinuity of flow is in the nature of the process. In fractions ofseconds there developed varying volumetric quantities of releasedcasting metal. For copper anode plates the absolute size of the castingquantity is not ofprimary importance but the maintenance ofa selectedweight value once chosen is very important. However, it is not possibleeither to make the pouring process so reproducible that an odd, yetuniform, quantity of casting metal flows into the casting mold eachtime. The reasons are to be found in a multiplicity of constantlychanging physical values. In addition, the influence of the mosteconomical production method also plays a complicating roll in decidingthe ultimate manner in which the casting is to take place. The highproduction rate demanded makes short cycling times of the castingwheels, which are employed for indexing the various molds intoassociation with a casting supply, mandatory. The uneven operation ofthe smelting furnace with its uncontrolable tapping flow must beconverted into partial quantities of the same size and uniform cyclingtimes. In view of all these conditions, endeavors to arrive atacceptably close weight tolerances required complicated regulatingcircuits and required long regulating distances.

The specialist in the field has, as a prototype, the known solution witha regulating circuit which begins with the determination of a tareweight. After the metal is tapped from the furnace, the actual weight isdetermined and the weight of the filled casting mold is superposed, as aparameter, to give a control influence impulse to a control instrumentfor the next tapping operation. This controls the casting time and thepouring ladles angle of inclination. However, it is only possible toobtain a control impulse from one or more measurements which have takenplace earlier. Ultimately the result of the measurement of one operationis applied to the next following one which causes errors for severalreasons. Sources of errors are temperature fluctuations of the castingmetal, the degree to which the collecting vessel is filled, and theconstantly repeating tare measurements. A determination of the grossweight can practically take place only when the metal level is still.However, the accelerations and the decelerations of the casting wheeldrive causes the metal level to whip in short cycles. A particularlydisadvantageous arrangement is weighing at each casting mold. Either itis necessary to wait for the metal surface to solidify, and this timeloss is taken in stride, or a risky weighing operation with the metallevel in motion is carried out. In any event the casting mold must belifted from its bearings for weighing. Considering the weights of 4000kp per casting mold any measuring operation in such a system isassociated with time losses and prevents the operation at short cycletimes. From the standpoint of economical production therefore ameasuring operation which greatly increases the production time is notwarranted.

A discontinuous operating mode of the smelting furnaces is not desirablebut it is hard to avoid. The discharging casting metal mixesincompletely with metal already present in the collecting vessel, andtherefore, the parameter of the degree to which it is filled takes intoaccount no temperature values. A control impulse triggering theaccelerations and decelerations required for tilting the vesselforwardly and backwardly is constantly given without consideration ofthe change of viscosity of the casting metal. Not all of theinterferring values can be picked up in the known method and in additionthe known methods must operate with long time intervals for obtainingthe measuring values. Time is wasted due to the fact that the varioustest values can be obtained only as a function of the operating mode ofthe casting wheel containing the casting molds. Regulation to a desirednominal weight therefore, takes place with retardations so that severalplates will be made with tolerances which exceed specifications. Whenthe tolerance range is finally reached a new correction must be reckonedwith because the initial values have meanwhile changed again. Then it isnecessary for a new regulating process to start.

In accordance with the present invention, the above deficiencies areovercome and the accuracy of pouring is increased while the regulationoperation is greatly simplified. In particular, less inertia power isrequired for regulating the sequence of movement of the molds with thecasting wheel. The present invention includes a better method for theaccurate weighing of the casting metal for forming the plates. Thenominal weight of the metal plates is determined prior to the pouring ofthe casting metal into a casting mold regardless of the actual weight ofa previously cast metal plate. This is done by weighing an absolutelysetable partial quantity from a total quantity amounting to 2 or 3 timesthe partial quantity. The new method operates without measuring the tareor gross weight of the casting mold. This has been done by a realizationthat a cast metal plate can experience no further weight modification ifit is already beyond tolerance range and therefore the best that can bedone with it is to remelt it. The absolute tapping ofa nominal quantitycan be accomplished accurately enough by traditional means but it isparticularly advantageous in this process of the invention to start froma small quantity which makes hitherto encountered inaccuracies which areinvolved in the releasing of the casting flow or in the stopping of thecasting flow shrink to minimum values. It was found that it isadvantageous to select the small quantity in order to avoid too greattemperature losses on the one hand and also because it is suitable inorder to reduce the great mass accelerations and decelerations whichwould have been required.

With the invention method. the total quantity, which is two or threetimes greater than the partial quantity, is replaced after the castingoperation is concluded. The amount of replacement is determined byabsolute weighing of the material which is delivered from a much largerreservoir of the metal material. The partial quantity which is branchedoff from the larger quantity is collected in a smaller vessel and willprobably not be as accurate as the partial quantities poured into thecasting molds. However, this inaccuracy is not important for theabsolute weighing of the tap quantity which constitutes the main phaseof the method. The two or three times greater larger quantity should bechosen in an amount in accordance with the length of the cycling timesof the casting wheel operation and the occurring heat losses.

Each of the quantities are delivered in succession from the furnace to alarge size vessel, and from the large size vessel to a smaller sizevessel associated directly with each casting wheel by operating atilting mechanism for effecting the pouring of the melt from one vesselto the other and from the small size vessel to the wall. The inventionprovides for a control impulse for setting the angle of inclination ofthe tilt of each vessel and the duration of the tilt as precise aspossible. This is favored by keeping the center of gravity of therespective vessels. when in a horizontal position, almost stationarywhile transporting a partial quantity to be poured or a quantity to betransported. Therefore. no moment develops which could influence theaccelerating or decelerating forces.

The apparatus of the invention includes a smelting furnace which ismounted for tilting in order to effect the tapping thereof. The weightof the large size collecting vessel arranged in association with thesmelting furnace. including the casting metal which is containedtherein. is measured by means of force analyzers, upon which the vesselis supported. A particularly favorable arrangement is obtained by atleast two collecting vessels of greatly differing pay load which aredisposed be' tween the smelting furnace and one or more casting wheels.The large collecting vessel receives the metal from the smelting furnacewhich is periodically tapped. A smaller collecting vessel is associatedwith each casting wheel and serves as an intermediate holder ortransporter for the nominal quantity which is obtained by weighing thevolume tapped for pouring into a single casting mold. If the heatbalance permits, or if addi tional heating measures for the collectingvessels are considered. several vessels of successively smaller size maybe disposed between the smelting furnace and the casting wheels. Thetransfer error from the collecting vessel to the final vessel forfilling each mold becomes smaller and smaller because the volumescollected are decreasing and the respective motions of the smallervessels for transferring can be executed more precisely.

The motion of the center of gravity of the smelted mass exertsinfluences upon the accelerating and decelerating forces. In theinvention this is avoided by the use of collecting vessels for eachstage which are mounted on pivotal frames for easy pivotal movement andwhich are lined with masonry material to permit the retention of heatand the heating of the melt therein. Each vessel is advantageouslysupported on a column which is arranged beneath the tilting frame. Thecolumn is supported on a force analyzer and sustained in an uprightposition by rod elements which are pivoted to the frame and to thecolumn and which are arranged around its circumference to hold it in auniform position. The suspension of the individual collecting vessels onthe column permits vertical motion only. Consequently. the weight restsfree of transverse forces on the base area. Movements in a horizontaldirection during the pouring operation or while refilling areimpossible. The attitude of the vessel always remains unchanged. Atilting drive however, is connected to each vessel and it comprises afluid pressure operated piston and cylinder which is linked to thevessel and to the supporting frame. In this manner the tilting drive ismobile and participates in the vertical motions possible during theweighing. Accurate weighing is further accomplished by a single forceanalyzer disposed under the column.

The apparatus also advantageously includes a tilting frame whichcomprises two side yoke members which are pivotally supported centrallyon pivot pins in the tilting drive and which also includes one or morecross members providing a cradle for receiving each vessel.

The invention advantages may be expanded and improved by arranging amuch larger size vessel between the small vessel at each casting moldand the tapping mechanism for directing the melt from the smeltingfurnace. Such large vessels, in accordance with the invention, are alsosupported on force analyzers and they may advantageously have twopouring spouts in order to facilitate the filling of two separatesmaller size vessels arranged alongside a respective spout and adjacenteach respective casting wheel.

The invention is further applicable to casting equipment of the mostvaried types. By disposing the large volume collecting vessel betweenthe two casting wheels and the small collecting vessels which areprovided for pouring into each casting wheel, it is possible to pour themetal into one casting wheel while the other small vessel is beingfilled from the larger vessel. From the standpoint of heat economy thecasting metal remains in the big collecting vessel for only a shortperiod of time The heat losses are therefor accordingly low. Additionalheaters of course may be provided with each vessel as desired.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improvedmethod for the accurate weight casting of metal plates and in particularof the weight casting of copper anode plates in which the liquid castingmetal is tapped from the smelting furnace, comprising directing meltmaterial into a small size vessel and determining the weight of themetal material which is to be formed into the metal plates while it isin the small sized vessel and as it is being poured into the castingmold regardless of the actual weight of the previously cast metal plateby weighing an absolutely determinable partial quantity from a totalquantity amounting to 2 or 3 times the partial quantity.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method for theaccurate weight casting of metal plates which comprises delivering largesize quantities of metal material into a large vessel and selectivelypouring from the large vessel into a smaller vessel which is arrangedfor pouring directly into a casting mold and wherein the weight of themetal plates which are to be cast is to be determined prior to thepouring of the casting metal into the casting mold and irrespective ofthe actual weight of the previously cast metal plate by weighing out anabsolutely determinable partial quan tity by pouring it from the largervessel into the smaller vessel.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for castingwhich includes at least one casting wheel having a plurality of castingmolds thereon which may be indexed past a filling station and includinga small size melt receiving vessel arranged at the filling station andin a position to receive melt material from a supply thereof, said smallsize vessel being supported on a force analyzer to permit determinationof the weight of the melt material which is to be poured into thecasting and being supported on a tilt frame having a tilting drive foreffecting the pouring at a controlled rate and in a controlled amount.

A further object of the invention is to provide a casting apparatuswhich includes a plurality of rotatable casting wheels each having aplurality of casting molds thereon with filling openings arrangedadjacent the peripheries which may be indexed past a filling station,the filling station for each casting mold including a force analyzersupporting a tilt frame on which is positioned a small size meltreceiving vessel, and further including a supporting frame having aforce analyzer for supporting a larger size vessel which may be tiltedin order to pour selectively into each of the smaller size vessels, thelarge size vessel being associated with means for delivering a quantityof melt material thereto.

A further object ofthe invention is to provide an apparatus for castingparticularly anode plates which is simple in design, rugged inconstruction, and economi cal to manufacture.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there is illus trated and described a preferredembodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. I is a perspective view of an apparatus for easting anode platesconstructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale of a small sizecasting vessel and its associated mounting; and

FIG. 3 is a section taken along the line III-III of FIG. 2.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to thedrawings in particular, the invention embodied therein comprises acasting apparatus particularly for forming anode plates which includes asmelting furnace l which is rotatably supported to permit it to beselectively oriented for discharging melted casting liquid from atapping hole or opening 2 into a chute 3 for delivery through adischarge end 4 into a large size collecting vessel generally designated5. The vessel 5 includes a pouring spout 6 and a pouring spout 7 atrespective opposite ends and it is supported in a tilting cradlegenerally designated 72 which is pivotally supported on journals 54 on abearing pedestal 53 in a manner permitting the selected downward andupward tilting of each pouring spout 6 and 7 in order to permitselective pouring into one or the other two collecting vessels 8 and 9which are arranged adjacent the respective spout ends.

In accordance with a feature of the invention, the actual dosing of themelt material is done from the small vessels 8 and 9 with the vessel 8being arranged on a tilt stand 22 adjacent a casting wheel 10 and thevessel 8 being arranged on a tilt stand 22 in a position for filling thecasting molds l3 and 12, respectively, which are mounted on a castingwheel 11. The casting wheels 10 and 11 have a plurality of casting moldsl2 and 13 (only one of which is shown) which may be of different size orshape if desired. The cavities 14 and 15 of the molds l2 and 13,respectively, match the shape of the copper anode plates which are to beformed by the casting device of the present invention. Such copper anodeplates which are formed are subsequently pro cessed in an electrolysisbath. While only one casting mold is shown for each casting wheel, themolds are generally distributed in the areas defined between the radiallines 16, 17, l8, l9, and on each casting wheel.

The large collecting vessel 5 has a substantially greater payloadcapacity than the small collecting vessels 8 and 9 and the capacity ofthe larger vessel may be approximately 3V2 tone while the capacity ofthe small collecting vessel 8 or 9 may be about 600 kp.

As best indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the smaller size vessels 8 and 9include a single pouring spout 24 and have an interior partiallycircular bottom wall 23 which runs in the tilting direction.

The tilting frame 22 of each small collecting vessel 8 and 9 issupported by a column 25 and it includes tilting bearing 26 whichsupport tilt pins 27 on each side of the vessel. The pins are rigidlyattached to the shell 28. A projection 29 is found either on the shell23 or the cradle 72 for the vessel 8 or 9. A tilting drive 33 includes afluid pressure operated piston and cylinder combination including acylinder 34 and a piston 35 having a rod portion which is connected tothe projection 29 and to a projection 30 ofthe frame 22. The base of thecolumn 25 rests on a force analyzer 38 which in turn rests on afoundation 39 which is supported on feet 40 of the mill floor 41. Thefoundation 39 also supports the frame 42 which comprises severaluprights 43 and two superposed rings 44 and 45. Each ring supports aprojection 46 and 47 respectively which provide a connection joint alongwith opposite projections 48 and 49 for articulated rods 59. The rods 59are arranged at equally spaced locations around the periphery of thecolumn 25 and each is provided with an adjustable turn buckle. Thecolumn 25 can thus be centered in respect to central axis 50 to therebydetermine a position of the small collecting vessel 8 or 9 associatedtherewith. Three rods 59 are arranged in the planes of the brackets 46and 47, respectively.

The tilting drive for the large collecting vessel 5 is similar to thatof the small collecting vessels 8 and 9. The collecting vessels 5 and 8and 9 all rest in associated cradles 72 and 72' and 72" for therespective ves' sels 5, 8, and 9 which are constructed with the sidemembers 51 and 52 and the cross members 55. The vessels 5, 8 and 9 aresupported without further fastening and engage in their cradle on partsof the pouring spout 24 and around the periphery of the circular portion23. In the case of the large vessel 5, the cradle 72 is supported on theframe 21 which rests on a frame 56 which in turn rests on several forceanalyzers 57 and 58 disposed in the corners of the frame. The tiltingdrive for this vessel is similar to that of the smaller vessels.

The casting operation for the method of the invention is as follows:

Casting metal melt 60 is continuously or intermittently tapped from thesmelting furnace 1 in dependence upon the melting situation at the timeof opera tion and in accordance with the operating speed to be effected.The melt is conducted into the collecting vessel 5 through the chute 3.After a sufficient reservoir of melt has been collected in the largevessel 5 it may be continuously heated if desired by burners (notshown). The force analyzers 57 and 58 make the content of the largecollecting vessel 5 known in as a weight value, for example, kp. Acasting metal quantity of approximately 600 kp. is now withdrawn fromthe large vessel 5 and poured into a respective one of the smallervessels 8 and 9 by selectively tilting the vessel 5 in order to permitpouring from the spout 6 or 7 as desired. The smaller vessels 8 and 9may be continuously heated also if desired or necessary.

Pouring from the smaller vessels 8 and 9 into the casting molds 12 or 13is effected in accordance with the operation of the casting wheels andpreferably pouring from one vessel into the associated mold ofonecasting wheel is carried out when the other casting wheel with its moldis being moved to a place for removal of the individual cast plates.Approximately 200 kp, for example, is poured out of the vessels 9 or 8during each casting operation. This pouring is effected on the basis ofthe indication of force analyzers 38 shown in FIG. 2, to measure outexactly 200 kp which is indicated by electrical measuring instruments(not shown). In practice the weighing operation is carried out duringthe pouring from the small vessel into the casting mold until 200 kp areremoved from the vessel. This value can be determined with greataccuracy so that the quantity of metal which is poured into the castingmold is also very accurately determined at 200 kp. In such a process itis immaterial whether the content of the collecting vessel 8 or 9 is 600or 6lO kp. lt is quite possible that the content may be only 590 kp.Such errors may result by the supply from the large collecting vessel Sinto the smaller vessels. This may be due to the fact that even thoughthe force analyzers 57 and 58 call for the pouring of 200 kp. theacceleration impulse of the tilt drive mechanism was not kept exactlydue to the great mass of 3500 kp. force which is required to actuate thetilting drive. However, since the quantity of the casting metalcontained in the small collecting vessels 8 or 9 represents a relativelysmall mass the errors in delivering the absolute said quantity of 200kpbecome decidely smaller. Therefore, when the final quantity to bedelivered to the casting mold is poured out of the smaller vessel thisquantity may be more accurately de termined and pouring can be carriedout until the precise quantity is measured from the total supply of themuch smaller vessels 8 and 9. The method makes it possible to accuratelyweigh the casting metal for form ing the plates without requiring longregulating distances and without any adjusting of the regulating impulseor electrical control devices.

What is claimed is:

1. A casting apparatus, comprising a casting vessel tilt frame, a vesselfor receiving and pouring a casting material mounted on said frame forpivotal movement, weighing means for supporting said frame with saidvessel, and tilt drive means associated with said frame for tilting saidvessel relatively to said frame for selectively pouring metal from thevessel into a casting mold, said tilt frame including an upright framemember, a cradle pivotally supported directly on said frame member, saidvessel supported on said cradle, and a force analyzer supporting saidframe comprising said weighing means, said vessel including a circularwall portion ori-.

ented with its axis parallel to the tilting axis of said frame.

2. A casting apparatus, comprising a casting vessel tilt frame, a vesselfor receiving and pouring a casting material mounted on said frame forpivotal movement, weighing means for supporting said frame with saidvessel, and tilt drive means associated with said frame for tilting saidvessel relatively to said frame for selectively pouring metal from thevessel into a casting mold, said tilt frame comprising a supportingplatform having the cradle pivotally supported thereon, a columnsupporting said platform, a force analyzer disposed below said columnand arranged to indicate the weight of the tilt frame and a vesselsupported therein, and a plurality of articulated rods arranged aroundthe periphery of said column and connected to the column at their innerends and pivotally connected at their ends to a fixed support.

3. A casting apparatus, comprising a casting vessel tilt frame, a vesselfor receiving and pouring a casting material mounted on said frame forpivotal movement, weighing means for supporting said frame with saidvessel, and tilt drive means associated with said frame for tilting saidvessel relatively to said frame for selectively pouring metal from thevessel into a casting mold, said tilt frame including an upright framemember, a cradle pivotally supported directly on said frame member, saidvessel supported on said cradle, and a force analyzer supporting saidframe comprising said weighing means, wherein said tilt frame includes aframe member and a cradle pivotally supported on said frame member and atilt drive motor connected between said frame member and said cradlemember for pivoting said cradle member, including a single forceanalyzer supporting said tilt frame.

4. A casting apparatus, comprising a casting vessel tilt frame, a vesselfor receiving and pouring a casting material mounted on said frame forpivotal movement, weighing means for supporting said frame with saidvessel, and tilt drive means associated with said frame for tilting saidvessel relatively to said frame for selectively pouring metal from thevessel into a casting mold, wherein said tilt frame includes an uprightsupporting bearing, a cradle pivotally supported on said supportingbearing, said cradle comprising spaced side yoke members, and cross rodsinterconnecting said side yoke members adjacent each end thereof, saidcradle being sized to receive said vessel.

5. A casting apparatus, comprising a casting vessel tilt frame, a vesselfor receiving and pouring a casting material mounted on said frame forpivotal movement, weighing means for supporting said frame with saidvessel, and tilt drive means associated with said frame for tilting saidvessel relatively to said frame for selectively pouring metal from thevessel into a casting mold,

3,876,109 9 10 wherein said tilt frame includes a pivotal supportingtioned on said cradle and having a pouring spout at cradle forsuppoffing a relativ?ly ,large Sized collecting each end, said cradlebeing tiltable with said vessel for vessel, a supporting base for saidtilt frame of polygonal configuration and a force analyzer at eachcorner of said base supporting said tilt frame, said vessel posi- 5orienting each spout in a pouring location.

i i i II!

1. A casting apparatus, comprising a casting vessel tilt frame, a vesselfor receiving and pouring a casting material mounted on said frame forpivotal movement, weighing means for supporting said frame with saidvessel, and tilt drive means associated with said frame for tilting saidvessel relatively to said frame for selectively pouring metal from thevessel into a casting mold, said tilt frame including an upright framemember, a cradle pivotally supported directly on said frame member, saidvessel supported on said cradle, and a force analyzer supporting saidframe comprising said weighing means, said vessel including a circularwall portion oriented with its axis parallel to the tilting axis of saidframe.
 2. A casting apparatus, comprising a casting vessel tilt frame, avessel for receiving and pouring a casting material mounted on saidframe for pivotal movement, weighing means for supporting said framewith said vessel, and tilt drive means associated with said frame fortilting said vessel relatively to said frame for selectively pouringmetal from the vessel into a casting mold, said tilt frame comprising asupporting platform having the cradle pivotally supported thereon, acolumn supporting said platform, a force analyzer disposed below saidcolumn and arranged to indicate the weight of the tilt frame and avessel supported therein, and a plurality of articulated rods arrangedaround the periphery of said column and connected to the column at theirinner ends and pivotally connected at their ends to a fixed support. 3.A casting apparatus, comprising a casting vessel tilt frame, a vesselfor receiving and pouring a casting material mounted on said frame forpivotal movement, weighing means for supporting said frame with saidvessel, and tilt drive means associated with said frame for tilting saidvessel relatively to said frame for selectively pouring metal from thevessel into a casting mold, said tilt frame including an upright framemember, a cradle pivotally supported directly on said frame member, saidvessel supported on said cradle, and a force analyzer supporting saidframe comprising said weighing means, wherein said tilt frame includes aframe member and a cradle pivotally supported on said frame member and atilt drive motor connected between said frame member and said cradlemember for pivoting said cradle member, including a single forceanalyzer supporting said tilt frame.
 4. A casting apparatus, comprisinga casting vessel tilt frame, a vessel for receiving and pouring acasting material mounted on said frame for pivotal movement, weighingmeans for supporting said frame with said vessel, and tilt drive meansassociated with said frame for tilting said vessel relatively to saidframe for selectively pouring metal from the vessel into a casting mold,wherein said tilt frame includes an upright supporting bearing, a cradlepivotally supported on said supporting bearing, said cradle comprisingspaced side yoke members, and cross rods interconnecting said side yokemembers adjacent each end thereof, said cradle being sized to receivesaid vessel.
 5. A casting apparatus, comprising a casting vessel tiltframe, a vessel for receiving and pouring a casting material mounted onsaid frame for pivotal movement, weighing means for supporting saidframe with said vessel, and tilt drive means associated with said framefor tilting said vessel relatively to said frame for selectively pouringmetal from the vessel into a casting mold, wherein said tilt frameincludes a pivotal supporting cradle for supporting a relatively largesized collecting vessel, a supporting base for said tilt frame ofpolygonal configuration and a force analyzer at each corner of said basesupporting said tilt frame, said vessel positioned on said cradle andhaving a pouring spout at each end, said cradle being tiltable with saidvessel for orienting each spout in a pouring location.